Monster High by Lisi Harrison Report by Faith Brown
jjjjjjjjjj At first, I decided to read Matched by Ally Condie, and after finishing, I realized the book did not move me, or have any effect on me. I felt indifferent about its predictable plot, and conflicted cliché characters because I had seen it before in Lois Lowry’s The Giver. I decided to find something more exciting, captivating, bold, and different. My friend, Daniella turned me onto Monster High through its internet series, therefore the books was the next step for me. The final decision to commit to this novel was based on an honest enjoyment for its literature, as well as its message, “natural was … perfect,” (30) meaning that flaws are natural, so perfection is also natural.
jjjjjjjjjjLisi Harrison’s novel Monster High is a young adult drama, filled with the captivating genres, fantasy and romance. Being a fantasy novel, this book is set in the small town Salem, Oregon, here, monsters, otherwise known as Regular Attribute Dodgers (RAD), only wish to live safely in a town among humans (normies). Hiding in plain sight, monster children attend Merston High, and hide their unique qualities from the world. For example vampires, werewolves, and sea monster all go through extreme measure, like constant waxing, avoiding mirrors, and extreme moisturizing, to disguise their unique flaws. This innovative book revolves around two young adults Melody Cavers, and Frankie Stein, each having their own romantic interests. Melody, for example is a is a Beverly Hills outcast, who falls in love with Jackson Jekyll, a boy unaware of his dual persona, or his monster heritage. Unlike Frankie Stein, who is created as, the daughter of Viktor Frankenstein. In her situation, she is a monster, interested in a human, Brett Redding, a monster fanatic who is dating an overprotective girlfriend, Bekka Madden.
A Summary
jjjjjjjjjjThe story begins with the creation of Frankie Stein, conducted by her father, Viktor, and mother, Viveka Stein. The couple, in awe, but are sadden by her potential being squandered by the judgmental times they live in. Still love overcame their worry when Viktor says, “things won’t we like this forever.” (xi) Following a birth, came a renewal, when Melody Carver moves into Salem, Oregon her hopes to relinquish the materialistic life style of Beverly Hills become clear. She reveals that her father is an esteemed plastic surgeon, and her mother is a professional shopper. Her older sister, Candace, is the product of both parents, “superficiality was their master. They were…zombies…still.” (2) Melody was different. She had average feature, and a fantastic voice. Melody described her talent as, “clear, angelic, and haunting,” she relied on her singing to be her standing quality, however chronic asthma attacks made it impossible for her to sing. Leading Melody’s father, Beau, to operate in effort of restore her voice, but the surgery failed. Instead of reliving her asthma, the operation left Melody with a new nose, refined features, and a leaner figure.
jjjjjjjjjjShortly after life began, Frankie starts her sophomore year of high school. She and Melody are the only new girls at Merston High, and lived in two separate circles., Frankie went to school hiding her green skin, bolts, and stitches by, reluctantly, wearing scarfs, stage makeup, and oversized sweaters. Trying to fit in, she shocked Melody with handshake, and ran away in embarrassment. Melody has a different first take on high school, when meeting Jackson Jekyll, the first person at Merston High to give Melody a phone number, she make a friend. Jackson is soon ambushed, in a kissing attack, by a girl with defined Egyptian features, Cleo, give Melody an enemy. This obvious tension draws another character, Bekka, who quickly befriends Melody with signature on a contract saying, “you won’t violate my trust.” (63)
jjjjjjjjjjFrankie finds friendship in Cleo, Lala, and Claudine, and Blue, normal girls with feelings, makeup, and problem, however they too hide the monster characteristic. Frankie soon realizes that, at Merston High, RAD members out number humans. Knowing that her best friends, nice, popular, monsters constantly hide behind a human guise, Frankie takes action. Her quote for example, “maybe they need us to show them they don’t have to be afraid,” (130) shows her optimistic effort to convince the RAD community to unveil their true identities. Yet their standing motto, “hide with pride,” (131) promises safety, seclusion, and therefore controlled the RAD decision to dismiss Frankie’s proposal. This rejection drove Frankie to manipulate her friends into going to the school’s Semi formal costume party, dressed as themselves. The question she asks “who isn’t tired of copying their style?” (130) expresses her rebellious drive to defy the natural, confined order set by her RAD community.
jjjjjjjjjMeanwhile, Melody discovers that her new crush, Jackson is also a RAD member. Jackson, great-grandson of Dr. Jekyll, inherited the trait transforming his personality from a sweet, shy, boy next door into a confident, wild, determined, creature. The trigger is heat, whenever Jackson gets too hot, he turns to D.J Hyde. The opposite happens when D.J gets cools down. This fact only makes Jackson more appealing to Melody, but his dual-ego set his sights on Frankie Stein. Now, Melody made it her goal to protect Jackson’s secret, thus strengthening their bond, and Jackson asks her to the Semi-formal costume party.
jjjjjjjjjjAt the dance, Frankie comes in her grandmother’s gown, as the literal bride of Frankenstein. Lala comes in her vampire attire, Blue goes as an air breathing aquatic creature, Cleo comes to the party wrapped in ceremonial bandages, and Claudine comes in her own, werewolf, furs. The normies at the school marveled at their “costumes” and joined in Claudine’s occasional howl. Frankie describes the normies’ reaction as, “positive … all about …her friends, dressed as themselves and dancing with normies.” (209) In the heat of the moment, Frankie is pulled aside by her first crush, Brett Redding, and receives her first kiss, however this turns to be her greatest mistake when head is torn off, and she blacks out. Now, Melody’s jealous friend, Bekka accuses Frankie of being a monster, and demands her head to be incarcerated for kissing her boyfriend. Melody must choose between her boyfriend, or the contract she signed, as Frankie, and the other monsters, isolate themselves. Her family is threatened, by the RAD community to leave town, where they have worked to maintain a wholesome lifestyle.
jjjjjjjjjjLater that night, Bekka confronts Melody about the monster she’s dating. With a video recording of Jason’s transformation, Bekka blackmails her former friend to find the green monster and turn her in, or the video will get leaked to the police. Melody, immediately, tells Jackson the mess she was brought him, when he discloses that his alter-ego knows and cares for the green girl. Knowing that she can now save Jackson, Melody attacks him with heat, and transforms him into D.J Hyde, who leads her to Frankie. The aftermath of the kiss leaves Frankie confined to her room, without any hope of escape, as shown in the quote, “what was the point of giving me life if you’re not going to let me live it?”(166) Seeing that she had a friend in D.J., she was excited to see, but surprised to see Melody. The quote, “Frankie… Melody…continued… their allegiance in the battle for tolerance…acceptance…declaring war in their fight for love,” (257) declares their vow to save themselves, D.J., Jackson, and the rest of the RAD community from threat normie appraisal. After living two simultaneous lives, each affecting the other, Melody and Frankie find friendship in their twisted, blackmailed, confined, captivating world.
Character Analysis
jjjjjjjjjjJackson Jekyll, and D.J. Hyde are the two opposite personalities harboring one body. When Jackson is over heated, D.J. comes out confidents, and ready for a good time. The quote, “there’s no music…I need something more lively,” (218) explains D.J’s need for a vibrant, and energetic life style. Unlike Jackson, a gentler, shyer boy who’s goal is to find his true self, enjoy his relationship with Melody, and live alongside his brother. Melody describes him as a character with, “Heart. Conviction…he obviously valued romance,” (247) meaning that she loved the morals which defined him. After Jackson discovered video footage of him transforming into D.J, he confronts his mother who says, “D.J, is comfortable in the spotlight, whereas you tend to be more shy. He is confident, while you’re thoughtful,” (185) basically meaning that the pair of them complete each other in their opposites, and coexist as two persons. While Jackson is reserved and gentle, D.J is outrageous and confident, yet both love, and exist by their opposing characteristics.
jjjjjjjjjjMelody is the daughter of esteemed, Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, Beau, and professional shopping consultant, Glory Carver. Leaving Beverly Hills gives Melody a perspective, allowing her to relate to the monsters. She expresses this in the quote, “the monster’s side is my side too,” (149) meaning that she empathizes with those who are out casted by their irreversible features. Jackson, for example has never had friends, until Melody saw his kind, gentle nature, before she knew that he was a monster. Her quote explains, “She … would show the students at Merston that she was nobody’s Smellody,” (48) the name Smellody represents how people saw her before her plastic surgery, and she does not want to go back in this new school. Arriving in Salem, Oregon, Melody immediately notices character traits different from her past home. The new house for example, is a luxurious log cabin, as described by Melody, “every log in the house had its own patterns and nicks. Each was unique. None was perfect,” (19) the quote gives Melody hope, because people, who live in an environment where differences strengthen a unit, must also believe and practice that philosophy. Throughout the novel, and with the encouragement of her friend, Jackson who defines her as, “a sequence of single notes that…make something amazing…that’s you,” (108) Melody realizes self-beauty. In the novel Melody’s goal is to survive high school, and to finally fit into a cohesive unit, by being herself.
jjjjjjjjjjFrankie Stein is the beautiful monster created by her parents, and descends from Franken Stein. Through the novel, she conveys confidence, optimism, and rebellion. For example, when getting ready for her first day of school, her parents explained that she is monster and will be seen differently, I response she said, “I’m proud of who I am and how you made me,” (41) meaning that she is not afraid of the world and wants to make her mark in society. Her confidence constantly reveals itself, as described, “She had no doubt she would find her way. And she’d enjoy trying,” (43) this explains Frankie drive to find conquer her challenges of being a monster only days into life. Frankie also portrays confidence through self-expression, as seen in her quote, “pantsuits are where fabric goes to die.” (41) She also conveys optimism, when faced with monsters unwilling to reveal, their unique characteristics.
jjjjjjjjjjDuring a RAD community meeting, she proposed, “if they were taught to be afraid, couldn’t they be taught not to be,” (141) meaning that she wants to live openly with the normies, and the first step was awareness. After her proposal was rejected by the unwavering RAD mindset, Frankie’s personality transforms into rebellion. For example the quote, “Frankie was tired of being told how to behave around normies,” (161) explains the she wanted to be herself instead of restricting her bolts, charges, and green skin with makeup, scarfs, and tweed colored pantsuits. Although RAD adults opposed her efforts for change, teenagers agreed and admired Frankie. For example, D.J. complimented, “You’re the only one with any spark around here,” (238) he later explains that she does not conform to social regulation and goes for what she desires. Frankie consistently proves to both the RAD, and the normie community that confidence, optimism, and rebellion will only enhance the beauty of ones flaws.
Themes and Ideas
jjjjjjjjjjThe novel discusses themes relating to self-inspiration. Throughout the book, the importance of embracing one’s flaws and claiming confidents is displayed by both Frankie, and Melody. For example the quote, “pride has to come from within you and stay with you, no matter what people say,” (167) said by her father, gives an illustration of pride leading to confidence, and is something to gain as well as possess. Melody also embraces her flaws, however her confidence was built, and then nurtured by Jackson. Through him the quote, “Melody felt beautiful in a way that had nothing to do with symmetry,” (149) was inspired because after being maltreated throughout her life in Beverly Hills, sudden, genuine attention from a unpretentious friend boosted her confidence.
jjjjjjjjjjThe novel also teaches the importance of choices, frequently, the choice between moral good over acceptance. For example, Frankie remembers her power in words decides that, “saying nothing when you could be right seemed worse than saying something and being wrong.” (129) Through the quote, Frankie first shows signs of outspokenness, and choses to be the individual who questions her situation. Although Frankie’s bolder decision to expose integrate monsters at the dance backfires, she is admired by same minded friends. For example, D.J Hyde encourages her, “you didn’t ruin lives. You jumpstarted them,” (237) although the immediate response was negative, her choice did have a positive effect on her friends. Frankie also defines herself through the quote, “Rules…friendships…they’re a small price to play for love and personal freedom,” (189) meaning she is a free spirit in a captured world, and wants everyone to feel release. Her willingness to sacrifice her friendships and laws defines Frankie as a generous, positive, kind hearted spirit.
jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjMajor conflicts jjjjjjjjjjDuring the novel, Monster High, by Lisi Harrison, the monsters preferred to live in hiding, than to live openly as themselves. The quote, “all…RADs…lived a lie,” (133) discloses a mutual fear of being discovered, and persecuted, as seen during the Salem Witch Trials, mentioned in the novel. The adult RAD members blame horror films as the catalyst of monster discrimination, “they portrayed us as horrifying, evil, bloodsucking enemies.” (28) In a fantasy novel, this quote does hold truth because horror films have disturbed children, therefore teaching them to be afraid of monsters. In efforts to assimilate, RAD children are taught to, “Hide with pride.” (131) The mantra teaches teenagers to remember their roots, as well as to have pride in their origin’s characteristics. The fact that RAD members communicate the importance of pride proves they never wanted to squander their roots, nevertheless monsters in Salem are truly waiting for normies to change. However, waiting for others to change disturbs Frankie. Her intentions are to make life better for the ones she loves.
jjjjjjjjjjFrankie expresses her impatience during a “monster drill,” implored by the school, “It was one thing for RADs to try to fit in. Acting afraid of themselves was quite another.” (141) The quote conveys Frankie’s frustration with her friends, who hide their unique individualities, and participate in exercises which encourage monster discrimination. Despite the oppression feared by RADs, monsters like Viveka Stein retain hope for a better day, “someday we’ll be able to live openly again,” (29) implying the patterns normies form. In the past, Regular Attribute Dodgers were able to live, work, and excel in accordance with normal humans, so with the pattern in play, RADS will one day be able to live without fear.
jjjjjjjjjjjjjjCelebrating Flaws
Universal Monster
jjjjjjjjjjTo create a symbol celebrating the beauty of flaws I was inspired by the quote, “each was unique. None was perfect…all fit together and supported a single vision,” (19) meaning each person matters, because their imperfections make it possible to overcome life’s challenges. To Representing these imperfections, I drew a peace sign made by Cleo’s mummy wrapping, Lala’s vampire wing, and smile. As additional detail I included, Claudine’s furs, Blue’s fin, D.J’s music, and Frankie’s bolts, as well as her seems. I chose a peace sign due to its universal recognition. The monster contributed details gives the sign a fun, vibrant charm felt throughout the novel.
New, Unusual Words
jjjjjjjjjjThe novel, Monster High, utilizes creative diction as well as vocabulary specific to its dynamic characters, to produce the novel’s interesting and vibrant atmosphere. For example, the word façade, as is seen in the quote, “the cheery façade looked back at her with the warm of…a puppy she was about to put to sleep,” (233) means disguise. The word is used, as a noun, to describe Melody’s manipulative friend, Bekka, who always whore a disguise to hide her mean, possessive spirit.
jjjjjjjjjjAs another example the quote, “come out of the casket and live freely,” (236) introduces the word, “casket” as monsters’, metaphorical, citadel to hide from the world’s unpredictable judgment. Also, the word voltage used, in the sentence “Frankie followed behind in her totally voltage outfit and victory grin,” (41) is an adjective invited to positively describe situations, or objects in ways similar to the word, awesome.
jjjjjjjjjjAnother word, RAD is an adjective fond throughout the book. For example, “she’s a normie, but her son is a RAD,” (127) this sentence shows that a RAD is a creature beyond normal characteristics, in other words, a monster. Opposite from RADs, is the word normie. In the sentence, “Her friends, dressed as themselves and dancing with normies,” (209) implies that a normie is a human being. This implies that her friends in their true forms are not normal, but they are still able to interact with normal humans, or normies.
Similar Works
jjjjjjjjjjLisi Harrison’s novel, Monster Highis a teenage drama revolving around fantasy, romance, and individuality. These same themes are seen in television’s Charlie’s Angles, book, Catching Fire, as well as the movie, Corpse Bride. In Charlie’s Angles, an action drama, three women, Kelly Garrett, Jill Munroe, and Sabrina Duncan with different backgrounds are called to work a one cohesive unit. Like Monster High, these women’s different flaws, experiences, and personalities, under a leader they never really saw, caused their private investigation agency to flourish. The same differences lead the ongoing program, Charlie’s angels, to last five consecutive seasons. The show withstanding character changes and still meeting the popular demands of 1976 proves Frankie Stein’s message that, when met with confidence, people welcome integrating differences.
jjjjjjjjjjMonster High is also similar to the young adult novel, The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins. The protagonist Katniss Everdeen is a teenage girl growing up by a set of laws which threaten her family, as well as her independence. Like the lead characters in Monster High, Frankie and Melody, Katniss rebels against her oppressing capitol. Her individuality, resourcefulness, and archery skills give her the advantage in starting the rebellion. She, like Frankie, is also caught in a love triangle with lifelong friend, Gale, and the baker’s son, Peeta Mellark. Frankie, Melody, and Katniss all possess a confident determination to free themselves, and those closest to them.
jjjjjjjjjjThe movie Corpse Bride, directed by Tim Burton, is a stop-motion animated fantasy based on romances between a murdered bride to be, and Victor Dort, son of wealthy fish merchants. This critically acclaimed musical, Corpse Bride, is similar to the novel, Monster High, because they both bring an unexpected cheerfulness to monsters, as well as the featured ghosts. In Corpse Bride, there are four musical numbers featuring upbeat skeleton choreography, and zombie vocalists. In addition to the joyfully dreary atmosphere casted in Tim Burton’s film, the dead have pride, therefore enjoy their situation. Like Monster High, the monsters of Corpse Bride hide away to separate the living from dead, however the movie’s deceased watch after their living relatives, while RAD members only protect RAD members.
Character Analysis Jackson Jekyll, and D.J. Hyde are the two opposite personalities harboring one body. When Jackson is over heated, D.J. comes out confidents, and ready for a good time. The quote, “there’s no music…I need something more lively,” (218) explains D.J’s need for a vibrant, and energetic life style. Unlike Jackson, a gentler, shyer boy who’s goal is to find his true self, enjoy his relationship with Melody, and live alongside his brother. Melody describes him as a character with, “Heart. Conviction…he obviously valued romance,” (247) meaning that she loved the morals which defined him. After Jackson discovered video footage of him transforming into D.J, he confronts his mother who says, “D.J, is comfortable in the spotlight, whereas you tend to be more shy. He is confident, while you’re thoughtful,” (185) basically meaning that the pair of them complete each other in their opposites, and coexist as two persons. While Jackson is reserved and gentle, D.J is outrageous and confident, yet both love, and exist by their opposing characteristics. Melody is the daughter of esteemed, Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, Beau, and professional shopping consultant, Glory Carver. Leaving Beverly Hills gives Melody a perspective, allowing her to relate to the monsters. She expresses this in the quote, “the monster’s side is my side too,” (149) meaning that she empathizes with those who are out casted by their irreversible features. Jackson, for example has never had friends, until Melody saw his kind, gentle nature, before she knew that he was a monster. Her quote explains, “She … would show the students at Merston that she was nobody’s Smellody,” (48) the name Smellody represents how people saw her before her plastic surgery, and she does not want to go back in this new school. Arriving in Salem, Oregon, Melody immediately notices character traits different from her past home. The new house for example, is a luxurious log cabin, as described by Melody, “every log in the house had its own patterns and nicks. Each was unique. None was perfect,” (19) the quote gives Melody hope, because people, who live in an environment where differences strengthen a unit, must also believe and practice that philosophy. Throughout the novel, and with the encouragement of her friend, Jackson who defines her as, “a sequence of single notes that…make something amazing…that’s you,” (108) Melody realizes self-beauty. In the novel Melody’s goal is to survive high school, and to finally fit into a cohesive unit, by being herself. Frankie Stein is the beautiful monster created by her parents, and descends from Franken Stein. Through the novel, she conveys confidence, optimism, and rebellion. For example, when getting ready for her first day of school, her parents explained that she is monster and will be seen differently, I response she said, “I’m proud of who I am and how you made me,” (41) meaning that she is not afraid of the world and wants to make her mark in society. Her confidence constantly reveals itself, as described, “She had no doubt she would find her way. And she’d enjoy trying,” (43) this explains Frankie drive to find conquer her challenges of being a monster only days into life. Frankie also portrays confidence through self-expression, as seen in her quote, “pantsuits are where fabric goes to die.” (41) She also conveys optimism, when faced with monsters unwilling to reveal, their unique characteristics.
During a RAD community meeting, she proposed, “if they were taught to be afraid, couldn’t they be taught not to be,” (141) meaning that she wants to live openly with the normies, and the first step was awareness. After her proposal was rejected by the unwavering RAD mindset, Frankie’s personality transforms into rebellion. For example the quote, “Frankie was tired of being told how to behave around normies,” (161) explains the she wanted to be herself instead of restricting her bolts, charges, and green skin with makeup, scarfs, and tweed colored pantsuits. Although RAD adults opposed her efforts for change, teenagers agreed and admired Frankie. For example, D.J. complimented, “You’re the only one with any spark around here,” (238) he later explains that she does not conform to social regulation and goes for what she desires. Frankie consistently proves to both the RAD, and the normie community that confidence, optimism, and rebellion will only enhance the beauty of ones flaws.
Report by Faith Brown
jjjjjjjjjj
At first, I decided to read Matched by Ally Condie, and after finishing, I realized the book did not move me, or have any effect on me. I felt indifferent about its predictable plot, and conflicted cliché characters because I had seen it before in Lois Lowry’s The Giver. I decided to find something more exciting, captivating, bold, and different. My friend, Daniella turned me onto Monster High through its internet series, therefore the books was the next step for me. The final decision to commit to this novel was based on an honest enjoyment for its literature, as well as its message, “natural was … perfect,” (30) meaning that flaws are natural, so perfection is also natural.
jjjjjjjjjjLisi Harrison’s novel Monster High is a young adult drama, filled with the captivating genres, fantasy and romance. Being a fantasy novel, this book is set in the small town Salem, Oregon, here, monsters, otherwise known as Regular Attribute Dodgers (RAD), only wish to live safely in a town among humans (normies). Hiding in plain sight, monster children attend Merston High, and hide their unique qualities from the world. For example vampires, werewolves, and sea monster all go through extreme measure, like constant waxing, avoiding mirrors, and extreme moisturizing, to disguise their unique flaws. This innovative book revolves around two young adults Melody Cavers, and Frankie Stein, each having their own romantic interests. Melody, for example is a is a Beverly Hills outcast, who falls in love with Jackson Jekyll, a boy unaware of his dual persona, or his monster heritage. Unlike Frankie Stein, who is created as, the daughter of Viktor Frankenstein. In her situation, she is a monster, interested in a human, Brett Redding, a monster fanatic who is dating an overprotective girlfriend, Bekka Madden.
A Summary
jjjjjjjjjjThe story begins with the creation of Frankie Stein, conducted by her father, Viktor, and mother, Viveka Stein. The couple, in awe, but are sadden by her potential being squandered by the judgmental times they live in. Still love overcame their worry when Viktor says, “things won’t we like this forever.” (xi) Following a birth, came a renewal, when Melody Carver moves into Salem, Oregon her hopes to relinquish the materialistic life style of Beverly Hills become clear. She reveals that her father is an esteemed plastic surgeon, and her mother is a professional shopper. Her older sister, Candace, is the product of both parents, “superficiality was their master. They were…zombies…still.” (2) Melody was different. She had average feature, and a fantastic voice. Melody described her talent as, “clear, angelic, and haunting,” she relied on her singing to be her standing quality, however chronic asthma attacks made it impossible for her to sing. Leading Melody’s father, Beau, to operate in effort of restore her voice, but the surgery failed. Instead of reliving her asthma, the operation left Melody with a new nose, refined features, and a leaner figure.
jjjjjjjjjjShortly after life began, Frankie starts her sophomore year of high school. She and Melody are the only new girls at Merston High, and lived in two separate circles., Frankie went to school hiding her green skin, bolts, and stitches by, reluctantly, wearing scarfs, stage makeup, and oversized sweaters. Trying to fit in, she shocked Melody with handshake, and ran away in embarrassment. Melody has a different first take on high school, when meeting Jackson Jekyll, the first person at Merston High to give Melody a phone number, she make a friend. Jackson is soon ambushed, in a kissing attack, by a girl with defined Egyptian features, Cleo, give Melody an enemy. This obvious tension draws another character, Bekka, who quickly befriends Melody with signature on a contract saying, “you won’t violate my trust.” (63)
jjjjjjjjjjFrankie finds friendship in Cleo, Lala, and Claudine, and Blue, normal girls with feelings, makeup, and problem, however they too hide the monster characteristic. Frankie soon realizes that, at Merston High, RAD members out number humans. Knowing that her best friends, nice, popular, monsters constantly hide behind a human guise, Frankie takes action. Her quote for example, “maybe they need us to show them they don’t have to be afraid,” (130) shows her optimistic effort to convince the RAD community to unveil their true identities. Yet their standing motto, “hide with pride,” (131) promises safety, seclusion, and therefore controlled the RAD decision to dismiss Frankie’s proposal. This rejection drove Frankie to manipulate her friends into going to the school’s Semi formal costume party, dressed as themselves. The question she asks “who isn’t tired of copying their style?” (130) expresses her rebellious drive to defy the natural, confined order set by her RAD community.
jjjjjjjjjMeanwhile, Melody discovers that her new crush, Jackson is also a RAD member. Jackson, great-grandson of Dr. Jekyll, inherited the trait transforming his personality from a sweet, shy, boy next door into a confident, wild, determined, creature. The trigger is heat, whenever Jackson gets too hot, he turns to D.J Hyde. The opposite happens when D.J gets cools down. This fact only makes Jackson more appealing to Melody, but his dual-ego set his sights on Frankie Stein. Now, Melody made it her goal to protect Jackson’s secret, thus strengthening their bond, and Jackson asks her to the Semi-formal costume party.
jjjjjjjjjjAt the dance, Frankie comes in her grandmother’s gown, as the literal bride of Frankenstein. Lala comes in her vampire attire, Blue goes as an air breathing aquatic creature, Cleo comes to the party wrapped in ceremonial bandages, and Claudine comes in her own, werewolf, furs. The normies at the school marveled at their “costumes” and joined in Claudine’s occasional howl. Frankie describes the normies’ reaction as, “positive … all about …her friends, dressed as themselves and dancing with normies.” (209) In the heat of the moment, Frankie is pulled aside by her first crush, Brett Redding, and receives her first kiss, however this turns to be her greatest mistake when head is torn off, and she blacks out. Now, Melody’s jealous friend, Bekka accuses Frankie of being a monster, and demands her head to be incarcerated for kissing her boyfriend. Melody must choose between her boyfriend, or the contract she signed, as Frankie, and the other monsters, isolate themselves. Her family is threatened, by the RAD community to leave town, where they have worked to maintain a wholesome lifestyle.
jjjjjjjjjjLater that night, Bekka confronts Melody about the monster she’s dating. With a video recording of Jason’s transformation, Bekka blackmails her former friend to find the green monster and turn her in, or the video will get leaked to the police. Melody, immediately, tells Jackson the mess she was brought him, when he discloses that his alter-ego knows and cares for the green girl. Knowing that she can now save Jackson, Melody attacks him with heat, and transforms him into D.J Hyde, who leads her to Frankie. The aftermath of the kiss leaves Frankie confined to her room, without any hope of escape, as shown in the quote, “what was the point of giving me life if you’re not going to let me live it?”(166) Seeing that she had a friend in D.J., she was excited to see, but surprised to see Melody. The quote, “Frankie… Melody…continued… their allegiance in the battle for tolerance…acceptance…declaring war in their fight for love,” (257) declares their vow to save themselves, D.J., Jackson, and the rest of the RAD community from threat normie appraisal. After living two simultaneous lives, each affecting the other, Melody and Frankie find friendship in their twisted, blackmailed, confined, captivating world.
Character Analysis
jjjjjjjjjjJackson Jekyll, and D.J. Hyde are the two opposite personalities harboring one body. When Jackson is over heated, D.J. comes out confidents, and ready for a good time. The quote, “there’s no music…I need something more lively,” (218) explains D.J’s need for a vibrant, and energetic life style. Unlike Jackson, a gentler, shyer boy who’s goal is to find his true self, enjoy his relationship with Melody, and live alongside his brother. Melody describes him as a character with, “Heart. Conviction…he obviously valued romance,” (247) meaning that she loved the morals which defined him. After Jackson discovered video footage of him transforming into D.J, he confronts his mother who says, “D.J, is comfortable in the spotlight, whereas you tend to be more shy. He is confident, while you’re thoughtful,” (185) basically meaning that the pair of them complete each other in their opposites, and coexist as two persons. While Jackson is reserved and gentle, D.J is outrageous and confident, yet both love, and exist by their opposing characteristics.
jjjjjjjjjjMelody is the daughter of esteemed, Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, Beau, and professional shopping consultant, Glory Carver. Leaving Beverly Hills gives Melody a perspective, allowing her to relate to the monsters. She expresses this in the quote, “the monster’s side is my side too,” (149) meaning that she empathizes with those who are out casted by their irreversible features. Jackson, for example has never had friends, until Melody saw his kind, gentle nature, before she knew that he was a monster. Her quote explains, “She … would show the students at Merston that she was nobody’s Smellody,” (48) the name Smellody represents how people saw her before her plastic surgery, and she does not want to go back in this new school. Arriving in Salem, Oregon, Melody immediately notices character traits different from her past home. The new house for example, is a luxurious log cabin, as described by Melody, “every log in the house had its own patterns and nicks. Each was unique. None was perfect,” (19) the quote gives Melody hope, because people, who live in an environment where differences strengthen a unit, must also believe and practice that philosophy. Throughout the novel, and with the encouragement of her friend, Jackson who defines her as, “a sequence of single notes that…make something amazing…that’s you,” (108) Melody realizes self-beauty. In the novel Melody’s goal is to survive high school, and to finally fit into a cohesive unit, by being herself.
jjjjjjjjjjFrankie Stein is the beautiful monster created by her parents, and descends from Franken Stein. Through the novel, she conveys confidence, optimism, and rebellion. For example, when getting ready for her first day of school, her parents explained that she is monster and will be seen differently, I response she said, “I’m proud of who I am and how you made me,” (41) meaning that she is not afraid of the world and wants to make her mark in society. Her confidence constantly reveals itself, as described, “She had no doubt she would find her way. And she’d enjoy trying,” (43) this explains Frankie drive to find conquer her challenges of being a monster only days into life. Frankie also portrays confidence through self-expression, as seen in her quote, “pantsuits are where fabric goes to die.” (41) She also conveys optimism, when faced with monsters unwilling to reveal, their unique characteristics.
jjjjjjjjjjDuring a RAD community meeting, she proposed, “if they were taught to be afraid, couldn’t they be taught not to be,” (141) meaning that she wants to live openly with the normies, and the first step was awareness. After her proposal was rejected by the unwavering RAD mindset, Frankie’s personality transforms into rebellion. For example the quote, “Frankie was tired of being told how to behave around normies,” (161) explains the she wanted to be herself instead of restricting her bolts, charges, and green skin with makeup, scarfs, and tweed colored pantsuits. Although RAD adults opposed her efforts for change, teenagers agreed and admired Frankie. For example, D.J. complimented, “You’re the only one with any spark around here,” (238) he later explains that she does not conform to social regulation and goes for what she desires. Frankie consistently proves to both the RAD, and the normie community that confidence, optimism, and rebellion will only enhance the beauty of ones flaws.
Themes and IdeasjjjjjjjjjjThe novel discusses themes relating to self-inspiration. Throughout the book, the importance of embracing one’s flaws and claiming confidents is displayed by both Frankie, and Melody. For example the quote, “pride has to come from within you and stay with you, no matter what people say,” (167) said by her father, gives an illustration of pride leading to confidence, and is something to gain as well as possess. Melody also embraces her flaws, however her confidence was built, and then nurtured by Jackson. Through him the quote, “Melody felt beautiful in a way that had nothing to do with symmetry,” (149) was inspired because after being maltreated throughout her life in Beverly Hills, sudden, genuine attention from a unpretentious friend boosted her confidence.
jjjjjjjjjjThe novel also teaches the importance of choices, frequently, the choice between moral good over acceptance. For example, Frankie remembers her power in words decides that, “saying nothing when you could be right seemed worse than saying something and being wrong.” (129) Through the quote, Frankie first shows signs of outspokenness, and choses to be the individual who questions her situation. Although Frankie’s bolder decision to expose integrate monsters at the dance backfires, she is admired by same minded friends. For example, D.J Hyde encourages her, “you didn’t ruin lives. You jumpstarted them,” (237) although the immediate response was negative, her choice did have a positive effect on her friends. Frankie also defines herself through the quote, “Rules…friendships…they’re a small price to play for love and personal freedom,” (189) meaning she is a free spirit in a captured world, and wants everyone to feel release. Her willingness to sacrifice her friendships and laws defines Frankie as a generous, positive, kind hearted spirit.
jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjMajor conflicts
jjjjjjjjjjDuring the novel, Monster High, by Lisi Harrison, the monsters preferred to live in hiding, than to live openly as themselves. The quote, “all…RADs…lived a lie,” (133) discloses a mutual fear of being discovered, and persecuted, as seen during the Salem Witch Trials, mentioned in the novel. The adult RAD members blame horror films as the catalyst of monster discrimination, “they portrayed us as horrifying, evil, bloodsucking enemies.” (28) In a fantasy novel, this quote does hold truth because horror films have disturbed children, therefore teaching them to be afraid of monsters. In efforts to assimilate, RAD children are taught to, “Hide with pride.” (131) The mantra teaches teenagers to remember their roots, as well as to have pride in their origin’s characteristics. The fact that RAD members communicate the importance of pride proves they never wanted to squander their roots, nevertheless monsters in Salem are truly waiting for normies to change. However, waiting for others to change disturbs Frankie. Her intentions are to make life better for the ones she loves.
jjjjjjjjjjFrankie expresses her impatience during a “monster drill,” implored by the school, “It was one thing for RADs to try to fit in. Acting afraid of themselves was quite another.” (141) The quote conveys Frankie’s frustration with her friends, who hide their unique individualities, and participate in exercises which encourage monster discrimination. Despite the oppression feared by RADs, monsters like Viveka Stein retain hope for a better day, “someday we’ll be able to live openly again,” (29) implying the patterns normies form. In the past, Regular Attribute Dodgers were able to live, work, and excel in accordance with normal humans, so with the pattern in play, RADS will one day be able to live without fear.
jjjjjjjjjjjjjjCelebrating Flaws
jjjjjjjjjjTo create a symbol celebrating the beauty of flaws I was inspired by the quote, “each was unique. None was perfect…all fit together and supported a single vision,” (19) meaning each person matters, because their imperfections make it possible to overcome life’s challenges. To Representing these imperfections, I drew a peace sign made by Cleo’s mummy wrapping, Lala’s vampire wing, and smile. As additional detail I included, Claudine’s furs, Blue’s fin, D.J’s music, and Frankie’s bolts, as well as her seems. I chose a peace sign due to its universal recognition. The monster contributed details gives the sign a fun, vibrant charm felt throughout the novel.
New, Unusual Words
jjjjjjjjjjThe novel, Monster High, utilizes creative diction as well as vocabulary specific to its dynamic characters, to produce the novel’s interesting and vibrant atmosphere. For example, the word façade, as is seen in the quote, “the cheery façade looked back at her with the warm of…a puppy she was about to put to sleep,” (233) means disguise. The word is used, as a noun, to describe Melody’s manipulative friend, Bekka, who always whore a disguise to hide her mean, possessive spirit.
jjjjjjjjjjAs another example the quote, “come out of the casket and live freely,” (236) introduces the word, “casket” as monsters’, metaphorical, citadel to hide from the world’s unpredictable judgment. Also, the word voltage used, in the sentence “Frankie followed behind in her totally voltage outfit and victory grin,” (41) is an adjective invited to positively describe situations, or objects in ways similar to the word, awesome.
jjjjjjjjjjAnother word, RAD is an adjective fond throughout the book. For example, “she’s a normie, but her son is a RAD,” (127) this sentence shows that a RAD is a creature beyond normal characteristics, in other words, a monster. Opposite from RADs, is the word normie. In the sentence, “Her friends, dressed as themselves and dancing with normies,” (209) implies that a normie is a human being. This implies that her friends in their true forms are not normal, but they are still able to interact with normal humans, or normies.
Similar Works
jjjjjjjjjjLisi Harrison’s novel, Monster Highis a teenage drama revolving around fantasy, romance, and individuality. These same themes are seen in television’s Charlie’s Angles, book, Catching Fire, as well as the movie, Corpse Bride. In Charlie’s Angles, an action drama, three women, Kelly Garrett, Jill Munroe, and Sabrina Duncan with different backgrounds are called to work a one cohesive unit. Like Monster High, these women’s different flaws, experiences, and personalities, under a leader they never really saw, caused their private investigation agency to flourish. The same differences lead the ongoing program, Charlie’s angels, to last five consecutive seasons. The show withstanding character changes and still meeting the popular demands of 1976 proves Frankie Stein’s message that, when met with confidence, people welcome integrating differences.
jjjjjjjjjjMonster High is also similar to the young adult novel, The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins. The protagonist Katniss Everdeen is a teenage girl growing up by a set of laws which threaten her family, as well as her independence. Like the lead characters in Monster High, Frankie and Melody, Katniss rebels against her oppressing capitol. Her individuality, resourcefulness, and archery skills give her the advantage in starting the rebellion. She, like Frankie, is also caught in a love triangle with lifelong friend, Gale, and the baker’s son, Peeta Mellark. Frankie, Melody, and Katniss all possess a confident determination to free themselves, and those closest to them.
jjjjjjjjjjThe movie Corpse Bride, directed by Tim Burton, is a stop-motion animated fantasy based on romances between a murdered bride to be, and Victor Dort, son of wealthy fish merchants. This critically acclaimed musical, Corpse Bride, is similar to the novel, Monster High, because they both bring an unexpected cheerfulness to monsters, as well as the featured ghosts. In Corpse Bride, there are four musical numbers featuring upbeat skeleton choreography, and zombie vocalists. In addition to the joyfully dreary atmosphere casted in Tim Burton’s film, the dead have pride, therefore enjoy their situation. Like Monster High, the monsters of Corpse Bride hide away to separate the living from dead, however the movie’s deceased watch after their living relatives, while RAD members only protect RAD members.
Good Reads Review
Character Analysis
Jackson Jekyll, and D.J. Hyde are the two opposite personalities harboring one body. When Jackson is over heated, D.J. comes out confidents, and ready for a good time. The quote, “there’s no music…I need something more lively,” (218) explains D.J’s need for a vibrant, and energetic life style. Unlike Jackson, a gentler, shyer boy who’s goal is to find his true self, enjoy his relationship with Melody, and live alongside his brother. Melody describes him as a character with, “Heart. Conviction…he obviously valued romance,” (247) meaning that she loved the morals which defined him. After Jackson discovered video footage of him transforming into D.J, he confronts his mother who says, “D.J, is comfortable in the spotlight, whereas you tend to be more shy. He is confident, while you’re thoughtful,” (185) basically meaning that the pair of them complete each other in their opposites, and coexist as two persons. While Jackson is reserved and gentle, D.J is outrageous and confident, yet both love, and exist by their opposing characteristics.
Melody is the daughter of esteemed, Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, Beau, and professional shopping consultant, Glory Carver. Leaving Beverly Hills gives Melody a perspective, allowing her to relate to the monsters. She expresses this in the quote, “the monster’s side is my side too,” (149) meaning that she empathizes with those who are out casted by their irreversible features. Jackson, for example has never had friends, until Melody saw his kind, gentle nature, before she knew that he was a monster. Her quote explains, “She … would show the students at Merston that she was nobody’s Smellody,” (48) the name Smellody represents how people saw her before her plastic surgery, and she does not want to go back in this new school. Arriving in Salem, Oregon, Melody immediately notices character traits different from her past home. The new house for example, is a luxurious log cabin, as described by Melody, “every log in the house had its own patterns and nicks. Each was unique. None was perfect,” (19) the quote gives Melody hope, because people, who live in an environment where differences strengthen a unit, must also believe and practice that philosophy. Throughout the novel, and with the encouragement of her friend, Jackson who defines her as, “a sequence of single notes that…make something amazing…that’s you,” (108) Melody realizes self-beauty. In the novel Melody’s goal is to survive high school, and to finally fit into a cohesive unit, by being herself.
Frankie Stein is the beautiful monster created by her parents, and descends from Franken Stein. Through the novel, she conveys confidence, optimism, and rebellion. For example, when getting ready for her first day of school, her parents explained that she is monster and will be seen differently, I response she said, “I’m proud of who I am and how you made me,” (41) meaning that she is not afraid of the world and wants to make her mark in society. Her confidence constantly reveals itself, as described, “She had no doubt she would find her way. And she’d enjoy trying,” (43) this explains Frankie drive to find conquer her challenges of being a monster only days into life. Frankie also portrays confidence through self-expression, as seen in her quote, “pantsuits are where fabric goes to die.” (41) She also conveys optimism, when faced with monsters unwilling to reveal, their unique characteristics.
During a RAD community meeting, she proposed, “if they were taught to be afraid, couldn’t they be taught not to be,” (141) meaning that she wants to live openly with the normies, and the first step was awareness. After her proposal was rejected by the unwavering RAD mindset, Frankie’s personality transforms into rebellion. For example the quote, “Frankie was tired of being told how to behave around normies,” (161) explains the she wanted to be herself instead of restricting her bolts, charges, and green skin with makeup, scarfs, and tweed colored pantsuits. Although RAD adults opposed her efforts for change, teenagers agreed and admired Frankie. For example, D.J. complimented, “You’re the only one with any spark around here,” (238) he later explains that she does not conform to social regulation and goes for what she desires. Frankie consistently proves to both the RAD, and the normie community that confidence, optimism, and rebellion will only enhance the beauty of ones flaws.